The interior of the clubhouse is an interesting and eclectic mix of Frank Lloyd Wright, Hawai`iana and modern merchandising. Here is the pro shop — and example of the latter.

Next is a display of trophies and photos of winners in local tournaments. Again, that eclectic mix.

Along the hallway there are small alcoves for Hawai`ian art. The King Kamehameha Club proudly states its commitment to honor those who have walked before us by creating a cultural sense of place for Members and their guests. This statue was created by local artist, Dale Zarella, from a solid koa wood log (or part thereof) depicting an ancient Hawai`ian warrior. He (the artist that is) also forged the statue of the Conch Blower that stands outside (which I shared last week).

Further along the same hallway is a koa wood carving of a Hawai`ian maiden also crafted by Zarrella.

This is the one piece of Hawai`iana that blew me away — a beautiful feathered cape created by Jo-Anne Kahanamoku-Sterling, Hawai'i's finest featherwork artist. Note that in ancient times, feathered capes were made using feathers from Hawai`ian birds — often only one or two feathers from a single bird — but the exact color required by tradition. Today, they usually use chicken feathers dyed to the desired colors. The naturally-colored feathers do not fade as do dyed feathers. If you ever have time when you are on O`ahu, do visit the Bishop Museum to see their collection of authentic feathered capes.

[Photographer's note: the original photo clearly showed the reflection of the photographer in the exact middle of the cape. I used the clone tool in Photoshop to remove myself from the image. I think that is a huge improvement.]

Next on the art tour is a painting by the late Herb Kawainui Kāne one of the most famous painters of ancient Hawai`ian life. It depicts a gathering of ali`i (chiefs) with King Kamehameha (wearing the yellow feather cape, which was reserved for royalty) in attendance as further evidenced by the kahili which is the symbol of royalty and is carried by the warrior to the right.

This photo shows one of the dining rooms which clearly showcases Wright's design.

[Photographer's note: I gave this image a dreamy look by playing with a control in Photoshop called "clarity". Typically it is used to increase the contrast locally so that details stand out. Here, I experimented with moving the control in the opposite direction to reduce clarity. The result was this dreamy look which I think fits this image nicely.]

The main staircase at the King Kamehameha Club is a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. The curves, the natural light, the glass with etched geometric design — fabulous. I am sure an architecture student could go on for hours on the design.

The source of natural light for the stairwell is this stained glass skylight. The design was taken from a curved window arch over the entrance door of the Susan Lawrence Dana House in Springfield, Illinois, which was designed by
Wright in 1903 and is now a
National Historic landmark. The design is his abstraction of butterflies. For this sky panel, Taliesin's Architects were able to locate the original source of much of the iridescent and opalescent stained glass that Mr. Wright originally used. I do believe it was worth the trouble.

Shown here is the interior of the main entrance. The design of the etched and stained glass came from the Johnson's Wax building, built in the 1930s.

Here, another etched and stained glass window showing the exterior views visible through the glass demonstrating a magnificent example of Wright's genius. One has to study carefully to see which panels are transparent, showing what is outside, and which are the magic of the glass.

Last, but definitely not least, is the ten-foot diameter art glass panel in the entrance foyer ceiling. It comes from another of Mr. Wright's geometric designs which was first used in
1957 on a woven carpet for the living room of Wright's own home, "Taliesan" in Spring Green, Wisconsin.